More Articles politics

comment

PUTNAM COUNTY, N.Y. -- Robert Langley, a Democrat, and former sheriff's investigator is hoping to unseat longtime Putnam County Sheriff Republican Don Smith.

Smith, who was first elected in 2001, has touted the county's crime rate. Putnam was ranked the safest county in New York the last seven years and has the lowest property crime rate, violent and overall crime rate in the state the last three years.

The last few years of Smith's tenure have been marked by his feud with former Putnam District Attorney Adam Levy.

Smith agreed to pay Levy $150,000 after he apologized for saying Levy publicly interfered in his investigation of Levy's personal trainer Alexander Hossu for raping a 13-year-old girl. Smith agreed to personally contribute $25,000 to settle the lawsuit, while the Putnam County Legislator voted to pay $125,000.

Last month it was revealed Smith sent letters to various government officials, including Attorney General Eric Schneidermann and Gov. Andrew Cuomo, asking them to charge Levy with illegally housing an undocumented immigrant or to take over his criminal cases.

Smith had denied writing letters to law enforcement during court depositions. Langley said he should be removed from office.

In Kent, Democratic Supervisor Maureen Fleming is running against Republican challenger Patricia Madigan. Republican incumbents William Huestis and Paul Denbaum are running for town council against Democrats Jason Makely and Stephen Papas.

In Patterson, incumbent Republican Peter Dandreano and Republican Mary Smith are running for two seats on the town council against independent Joseph Capasso.

In Philipstown, incumbent Democrats John VanTassel and Michael Leonard are running for two seats on the town council against Republican Timothy Greco.

In Southeast, Republican incumbents Robert Cullen and Elizabeth Hudak are running against Democrats John Lord and Melinda Montanaro.